The pearl dealer's coin represents his inherent deceptive nature and his readiness to engage in dishonest practices within his trade.
Symbolism of the Pearl Dealer's Coin
In the narrative, the pearl dealer's constant manipulation of the coin serves as a powerful symbol, revealing key aspects of his character and intentions. His dexterity with the coin is not merely a habit; it subtly communicates his true persona and business ethics.
The coin primarily symbolizes:
- Smoothness and Quickness: The dealer's effortless handling of the coin suggests his polished demeanor and swift movements, traits he presumably employs to navigate transactions to his advantage. This quickness can be interpreted as his ability to rapidly assess situations and make advantageous moves, often at the expense of others.
- Trickiness and Deception: Beyond mere agility, the coin embodies the dealer's cunning and manipulative tendencies. His facility with the coin hints at his potential to cheat clients, using subtle tricks and misdirections in his dealings. This implies that his smooth exterior hides a dishonest core.
- Controlling the Narrative: As the dealer plays with the coin while speaking to Kino, asking to see the pearl, and promising the "best price," his actions underscore his attempts to control the interaction. The coin becomes a prop in his performance, a visual cue of his underlying intent to exploit the situation for his own gain, regardless of his verbal assurances. It illustrates his calculated approach to negotiations, where every word and gesture serves to disarm and deceive.
Ultimately, the coin is a microcosm of the pearl dealer himself – a seemingly insignificant object revealing a character defined by shrewdness, opportunism, and a willingness to exploit others through a facade of professionalism.
